Navigation PDA and method with optimal antenna placement

ABSTRACT

A GPS enabled personal digital assistant (PDA) is provided. A housing of the PDA includes a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The memory has provided thereto cartographic data including any number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations. A display is operably coupled to the processor, the display viewable at a front face of the housing. And, a GPS patch antenna is operably coupled to the processor and is located above the display within the housing to receive GPS signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/027,159, filed Dec. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,003. Thespecification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to navigational devices, and inparticular to a navigational device with improved processing management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Route planning devices are well known in the field of navigationalinstruments. The method of route planning implemented by known prior artsystems depends on the capabilities of system resources, such asprocessor speed and the amount and speed of memory. As increased systemcapability also increases system cost, the method of route planningimplemented by a navigation device is a function of overall system cost.

One feature of increased system capability cost relates to routecalculating algorithms. By their nature, route calculation algorithmsare greedy algorithms that tend to be somewhat exponentially behaved inthe sense that the bigger that a route network gets, the bigger thesolutions base gets for finding a convergence between one location andanother location. As used herein, the term convergence implies anattempt to connect a path, or a route between the two location points.The term solution is intended to imply a completed convergence. In otherwords, a solution, as used herein, implies a complete continuous pathconnecting the two location points. As one of ordinary skill in the artwill understand upon reading this disclosure, there may be only one ormany in-numerable solutions between two points. Alternatively stated,there can be few or many ways to find a convergence between the twolocations.

From this description one can appreciate that as an algorithm executesin a convergence sequence, attempting to find a solution or path betweentwo different locations within cartographic data, memory space isrequired to store the explored routes between those two locations. Asthe path network being processed becomes larger, the memory spacerequired to store the explored routes between two locations likewisebecomes larger. And additionally, the potential solutions base becomeslarger.

In order to process route calculation algorithms with a suitable speedor efficiency, the processor executing the algorithm will require quickaccess to the memory space. Dynamic random access memory, or dynamic(RAM) as it is commonly referred to, is one form of quickly accessiblememory which is frequently used in conjunction with a processor toexecute algorithms. All routing algorithms need to have a suitablememory to keep track of status information of the locations explored,i.e. that it has visited in the network, as the route calculationalgorithm executes. Again, as the path network being processed becomeslarger, the necessary memory increases. Unfortunately, unlimited memory,RAM or otherwise, is not always available or suitable for a particularapplication, e.g. the particular device implementation. Thus, theability of a route planning device to obtain solutions between twopoints using a route calculation algorithm is a function of availablememory. And, the amount of memory that is required naturally has animpact on product cost.

One approach to route calculation algorithms is to arrange a routenetwork in a sort of hierarchy so that the processor/memory system canoperate on the primary thoroughfares in favor of more minor ones.Conventionally, a navigable network is comprised of roads, ferry routes,and possibly other means to travel from one location in the network toanother. The navigable network is described as a collection ofintersections (known as nodes) of navigable features and links, arcs orpaths (road, ferry, etc.) connecting nodes. Thus, the navigable networkis viewed as a collection of nodes where a travel direction decisionmight need to be made, and a collection of links or arcs connecting thenodes and describing a travel path from one node to another. The termadjacency is conventionally used to describe the travel path and nodesreachable in the network from a given node. A solution between twopoints in the network involves iteratively examining the adjacenciesfrom the start and destinations in the network, eventually ‘discovering’a low-cost path.

One limiting factor for the route calculation algorithm is the size ofthe navigable network. As an example, a connected network of all theroadways in the United States contains a very large number of nodes andpossible pathways, more than any practical system can evaluate. Thelowest layer (level 0) would typically contain all navigable features,from small residential roadways through major interstates. Level 1 mightbe defined to omit residential level roads, but include collector orarterial level roads up through major interstates. Additional levels aretypically defined, with only the most major thoroughfares through aregion (such as interstate highways) defined at the highest routinglevel. Each level is conventionally defined to result in a fullyconnected network. The number of navigable features at level 0 is verylarge, as is the solution space for a routing algorithm operating onlyat level 0. Upper level networks contain far fewer navigable features,allowing the solution space to decrease dramatically.

Many conventional routing algorithms take advantage of this layering byfirst searching at the lowest defined layer (conventionally layer 0),and then switching to upper level layers as a function ofimplementation-specific switching criteria. As the algorithm progressesit conventionally seeks to switch from lower to higher layers,eventually searching only in the highest defined layer, which affordsroute traversal across large distances within a comparatively smallsolution space. Of course, a suitable solution may be found prior toreaching the highest routing level. It is through this approach that asystem with limited search resources is able to obtain a good, thoughnot necessarily optimal, solution from a very large solution space.Algorithms of this sort are conventionally bidirectional, searchingsimultaneously from the start and target locations in the routingnetwork.

Almost all practically implemented routing algorithms use thishierarchical approach in order to afford an obtainable solution for anyprocessor/memory system that has a limited amount of memory and alimited amount of computing power.

Many contemporary systems use a minimum of one to two megabytes (MB) ofdynamic memory storage capacity to obtain solutions between two pointsof cartographic data using conventional route calculation algorithms.Comparatively speaking, 2 megabytes of memory is a lot of memory and isa luxury which is not always realizable in compact, low power deviceimplementations such as handheld or portable devices. Even with 2megabytes of RAM no routing algorithm can even begin to explore everypath in a large thoroughfare network; that would require Gigabytes ofmemory. Additionally, exhaustively exploring every adjacency at everyhierarchal level, even with unlimited memory, is not an effective use ofa system's resources.

Indeed, some conventional processor/memory systems attempt to obtainsolutions in a minimized memory storage space, e.g. using around 512Kilobytes of RAM. However, such conventional systems frequently do notresult in very good solutions. That is, those conventional systems mayprovide a solution between the two points. But, the solution will notinclude a best or even reasonably best path between the two locationswhen weighing all of the relevant criteria, e.g. shortest path, fastestpath, path classification and so forth, due to their conventionalalgorithm approaches.

In summary, current prior art systems have created a spectrum ofproducts in which the degree of navigational accuracy is dictatedprimarily by the cost of the system. The lower cost systems currentlyoffer a low degree of accuracy that is often inadequate for users.Therefore, there exists a need for a navigational route planning devicewhich is more efficient and accurate than current low cost systems,without requiring more expensive system resources. In addition, there isalso a need for a navigational route planning device which provides moreefficient use of memory and other resources in connection with a routecalculation algorithm and which quickly obtains a best or reasonablebest path between two locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above mentioned problems of navigational devices are addressed bythe present invention and will be understood by reading and studying thefollowing specification. Systems and methods are provided for anavigational route planning device which is more efficient and accuratethan current low cost systems, without requiring the more expensivesystem resources. The systems and methods of the present invention offeran improved navigational route planning device which provides a moreefficient use of RAM and other resources in connection with a routecalculation algorithm which quickly obtains a best or reasonable bestpath between two locations.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic navigationalaid device with forced layer switching based on memory constraints isprovided. The navigational aid device includes a processor and a memoryadapted to communicate with the processor. The memory has cartographicdata including any number of locations and data indicative ofthoroughfares of a plurality of types connecting certain ones of thelocations. The plurality of thoroughfares are organized in a hierarchyof detail levels. The processor operates on a route calculationalgorithm to find a path between any two of the number of locations andthe route calculation algorithm dynamically forces switching betweendifferent levels in the hierarchy of detail levels based on a set ofcriteria.

These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of thepresent invention will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following description of the invention and referenceddrawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, andfeatures of the invention are realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative view of a Global Positioning System (GPS);

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views for one embodiment of an electronicnavigational device according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate views for another embodiment of an electronicnavigational device according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of one embodiment for the electroniccomponents within the hardware of FIGS. 2A-2B according to the teachingsof the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of one embodiment for the electroniccomponents within the hardware of FIGS. 3A-3C according to the teachingsof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a navigation system according to theteachings of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a navigation aid methodaccording to the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a navigation aidmethod according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 provides a table which is useful for understanding one embodimentof the different set of criteria used to force or to prevent layerswitching according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another flow diagram embodiment for a navigationaid method according to the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in whichis shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describeaspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized andchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention isdefined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The present invention is drawn to navigational systems and deviceshaving forced layer switching, route calculation capabilities. One typeof navigational system includes Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Suchsystems are known and have a variety of uses. In general, GPS is asatellite-based radio navigation system capable of determiningcontinuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances directioninformation for an unlimited number of users. Formally known as NAVSTAR,the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which orbit the earth inextremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellitescan relay their location to any number of receiving units.

The GPS system is implemented when a device specially equipped toreceive GPS data begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellitesignals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the devicecan determine the precise location of that satellite via one ofdifferent conventional methods. The device will continue scanning forsignals until it has acquired at least three different satellitesignals. Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes thethree known positions to determine its own two-dimensional positionrelative to the satellites. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellitesignal will allow the receiving device to calculate itsthree-dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation. Thepositioning and velocity data can be updated in real time on acontinuous basis by an unlimited number of users.

FIG. 1 is representative of a GPS denoted generally by reference numeral100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit about the Earth 124. Theorbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronous with theorbits of other satellites 120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. AGPS receiver device 140 of the present invention is shown receivingspread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from the various satellites120.

The spread spectrum signals 160 continuously transmitted from eachsatellite 120 utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplishedwith an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120, as part ofits data signal transmission 160, transmits a data stream indicative ofthat particular satellite 120. It will be appreciated by those skilledin the relevant art that the GPS receiver device 140 must acquire spreadspectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensionalposition by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal 160,resulting in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permitsGPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views for one embodiment of an electronicnavigational device 230 according to the teachings of the presentinvention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand uponreading this disclosure, the device can be portable and can be utilizedin any number of implementations such as automobile, personal marinecraft, and avionic navigation. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A a front viewof the navigational device 230 is provided showing the navigationaldevice has a generally rectangular housing 232. The housing 232 isconstructed of resilient material and has been rounded for aesthetic andergonomic purposes. As shown in FIG. 2A, the control face 234 has accessslots for an input key pad 238, other individual keys 239, and a displayscreen 236. In one embodiment, the display screen 236 is a LCD displaywhich is capable of displaying both text and graphical information. Theinvention, however, is not so limited. Audio information can likewise beprovided in one embodiment.

In FIG. 2B, a side view of the navigational device 230 is provided. FIG.2B illustrates that the device's housing 232 is defined by an outerfront case 240 and a rear case 242. As shown in FIG. 2B, the outer frontcase 240 is defined by the control face 234. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B, the outer front case 240 and the rear case 242 are made of onemolded piece to form the device housing 232 and support input key pad238, other individual keys 239, and display screen 236 in respectiveaccess slots shown in the control face 234 of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate views for another embodiment of an electronicnavigational device 310 according to the teachings of the presentinvention. The navigational device 310 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C includes apersonal digital assistant (PDA) with integrated GPS receiver andcellular transceiver according to the teachings of the presentinvention. The GPS integrated PDA operates with an operating system (OS)such as, for example, the well-known Palm or Pocket PC operatingsystems, or the lesser-used Linux OS. As shown in the top view of FIG.3A, the GPS integrated PDA 310 includes an internal integrated GPS patchantenna 314 and a cellular transceiver 316 contained in a housing 318.The housing 318 is generally rectangular with a low profile and has afront face 320 extending from a top end 322 to a bottom end 324. Mountedon front face 320 is a display screen 326, which is touch sensitive andresponsive to a stylus 330 (shown stored in the side view of FIG. 3B) ora finger touch. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the stylus 330 nested withinhousing 318 for storage and convenient access in a conventional manner.The embodiment shown in FIG. 3A illustrates a number of control buttons,or input keys 328 positioned toward the bottom end 324. The invention,however, is not so limited and one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the input keys 328 can be positioned toward the top end322 or at any other suitable location. The end view of FIG. 3Cillustrates a map data cartridge bay slot 332 and headphone jack 334provided at the top end 322 of the housing 318. Again, the invention isnot so limited and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thata map data cartridge bay slot 332 and headphone jack 334 can be providedat the bottom end 324, separately at opposite ends, or at any othersuitable location.

It should be understood that the structure of GPS integrated PDA 310 isshown as illustrative of one type of integrated PDA navigation device.Other physical structures, such as a cellular telephone and avehicle-mounted unit are contemplated within the scope of thisinvention.

FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3C are provided as illustrative examples of hardwarecomponents for a navigational device according to the teachings of thepresent invention. However, the invention is not limited to theconfiguration shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3C. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate other suitable designs for a hardware devicewhich can accommodate the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of one embodiment for the electroniccomponents within the hardware of FIGS. 2A-2B, such as within housing332 and utilized by the electronic navigational device. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the electronic components include aprocessor 410 which is connected to an input 420, such as keypad vialine 425. It will be understood that input 420 may alternatively be amicrophone for receiving voice commands. Processor 410 communicates withmemory 430 via line 435. Processor 410 also communicates with displayscreen 440 via line 445. An antenna/receiver 450, such as a GPSantenna/receiver is connected to processor 410 via line 455. It will beunderstood that the antenna and receiver, designated by referencenumeral 450, are combined schematically for illustration, but that theantenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that theantenna may be a GPS patch antenna or a helical antenna. The electroniccomponents further include I/O ports 470 connected to processor 410 vialine 475.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of one embodiment for the electroniccomponents within the hardware of FIGS. 3A-3C and utilized by the GPSintegrated PDA 310 according to the teachings of the present invention.The electronic components shown in FIG. 4B include a processor 436 whichis connected to the GPS antenna 414 through GPS receiver 438 via line441. The processor 436 interacts with an operating system (such asPalmOS; Pocket PC) that runs selected software depending on the intendeduse of the PDA 310. Processor 436 is coupled with memory 442 such as RAMvia line 444, and power source 446 for powering the electroniccomponents of PDA 310. The processor 436 communicates with touchsensitive display screen 426 via data line 448.

The electronic components further include two other input sources thatare connected to the processor 436. Control buttons 428 are connected toprocessor 436 via line 451 and a map data cartridge 433 inserted intocartridge bay 432 is connected via line 452. A conventional serial I/Oport 454 is connected to the processor 436 via line 456. Cellularantenna 416 is connected to cellular transceiver 458, which is connectedto the processor 436 via line 466. Processor 436 is connected to thespeaker/headphone jack 434 via line 462. The PDA 310 may also include aninfrared port (not shown) coupled to the processor 436 that may be usedto beam information from one PDA to another.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, theelectronic components shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are powered by a powersource in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the componentsshown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are considered within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, in one embodiment, the components shown in FIGS.4A and 4B are in communication with one another via wireless connectionsand the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device of the presentinvention includes a portable electronic navigational aid device.

According to the teachings of the present invention, the electroniccomponents embodied in FIGS. 4A and 4B are adapted to provide anelectronic navigational aid device with forced layer switchingcapabilities for a more efficient use of RAM and other resourcesregardless of the amount of memory available. In particular, one ofordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure,that the invention is necessary to achieve efficiency and the mostaccurate results for finding a path, or solution, between two locationsin a network in device implementations having limited memory, e.g.devices having a memory size of 512 kilobytes or less. In the invention,the processor is adapted to communicate with the memory. According tothe teachings of the present invention, the processor operates on anovel algorithm which makes more efficient use of RAM and can quicklyobtain a best or reasonably best path between two locations. The memorycontains cartographic data including any number of locations and dataindicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types connecting certainones of the locations. In memory, the plurality of types ofthoroughfares are contained in a data structure organized in a hierarchyof detail levels, or layers. The processor operates on the novel routecalculation algorithm to find a path, or convergence, between any two ofthe number of locations. Additionally, according to the teachings of thepresent invention, the route calculation algorithm forces switchingbetween different levels in the hierarchy of detail levels based on aset of criteria.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the set ofcriteria includes; a number of jump segments requirement, a distancerequirement, a minimum memory usage requirement, a maximum memory usagerequirement, and an at least one jump segment requirement. In theinvention, the set of criteria are independently variable in order totailor an aggressiveness with which the route calculation algorithmforces switching between different levels in the hierarchy of detaillevels.

In one embodiment, the hierarchy of detail levels includes a hierarchyof ever-decreasing detail levels such that a lowest level includes thegreatest amount of detail. However, the invention is not so limited andone of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading andcomprehending this disclosure that a hierarchy of ever-increasing detaillevels such that the highest level includes the greatest amount ofdetail, or any other suitable hierarchy of detail levels, can be suitedto the present invention.

In one embodiment, the presence of a type of thoroughfare in any givenlayer of the hierarchy of detail layers is determined by atraversability of the thoroughfare. For example, the traversability ofthe thoroughfare can be determined by the driveability of a road.Herein, the driveability of the road may be determined by theclassification of the road, a speed classification of the road, adriving history on the road, and the like. However, the invention is notso limited and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand uponreading and comprehending this disclosure, that other criteria fordetermining the presence of a type of thoroughfare in any given layer ofthe hierarchy can be suited to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the device further includes a display 440in communication with the processor 410 and the memory 430. The display440 is adapted to display all or part of a “convergence” and/or a“solution,” as the terms have been described herein, between any two ofthe number of locations. According to the teachings of the presentinvention, the device incorporates these and other functions as will beexplained in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a navigation system whichcan be adapted to the teachings of the present invention. The navigationsystem includes a server 502. According to one embodiment, the server502 includes a processor 504 operably coupled to memory 506, and furtherincludes a transmitter 508 and a receiver 510 to send and receive data,communication, and/or other propagated signals. The transmitter 508 andreceiver 510 are selected or designed according to the communicationrequirements and the communication technology used in the communicationdesign for the navigation system. The functions of the transmitter 508and the receiver 510 may be combined into a single transceiver.

The navigation system further includes a mass data storage 512 coupledto the server 502 via communication link 514. The mass data storage 512contains a store of navigation data. One of ordinary skill in the artwill understand, upon reading and comprehending this disclosure, thatthe mass data storage 512 can be separate device from the server 502 orcan be incorporated into the server 502.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the navigation systemfurther includes a navigation device 516 adapted to communicate with theserver 502 through the communication channel 518. According to oneembodiment, the navigation device 516 includes a processor and memory,as previously shown and described with respect to the block diagrams ofFIGS. 4A and 4B. Furthermore, the navigation device 516 includes atransmitter 520 and receiver 522 to send and receive communicationsignals through the communication channel 518. The transmitter 520 andreceiver 522 are selected or designed according to the communicationrequirements and the communication technology used in the communicationdesign for the navigation system. The functions of the transmitter 520and receiver 522 may be combined into a single transceiver.

Software stored in the server memory 506 provides instructions for theprocessor 504 and allows the server 502 to provide services to thenavigation device 516. One service provided by the server 502 involvesprocessing requests from the navigation device 516 and transmittingnavigation data from the mass data storage 512 to the navigation device516. According to one embodiment, another service provided by the server502 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms fora desired application, and sending the results of these calculations tothe navigation device 516.

The communication channel 518 is the propagating medium or path thatconnects the navigation device 516 and the server 502. According to oneembodiment, both the server 502 and the navigation device 516 include atransmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel anda receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through thecommunication channel.

The communication channel 518 is not limited to a particularcommunication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 518 isnot limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel518 may include several communication links that use a variety oftechnology. For example, according to various embodiments, thecommunication channel is adapted to provide a path for electrical,optical, and/or electromagnetic communications. As such, thecommunication channel includes, but is not limited to, one or acombination of the following: electrical circuits, electrical conductorssuch as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, converters,radio-frequency (RF) waveguides, the atmosphere, and empty space.Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the communication channelincludes intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers,transmitters, and receivers, for example.

In one embodiment, for example, the communication channel 518 includestelephone and computer networks. Furthermore, in various embodiments,the communication channel 516 is capable of accommodating wirelesscommunication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency and infraredcommunication, and the like. Additionally, according to variousembodiments, the communication channel 516 accommodates satellitecommunication.

The communication signals transmitted through the communication channel518 include such signals as may be required or desired for a givencommunication technology. For example, the signals may be adapted to beused in cellular communication technology, such as time divisionmultiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications(GSM), and the like. Both digital and analog signals may be transmittedthrough the communication channel 518. According to various embodiments,these signals are modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as maybe desirable for the communication technology.

The mass data storage includes sufficient memory for the desirednavigation application. Examples of mass data storage include magneticdata storage media such as hard drives, optical data storage media suchas CD ROMs, charge storing data storage media such as Flash memory, andmolecular memory, such as now known or hereinafter developed.

According to one embodiment of the navigation system, the 502 serverincludes a remote server accessed by the navigation device 516 through awireless channel. According to other embodiments of the navigationsystem, the server 502 includes a network server located on a local areanetwork (LAN), wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN)and server farms.

According to another embodiment of the navigation system, the server 502includes a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer. Inone embodiment, the communication channel 518 is a cable connectedbetween the personal computer and the navigation device. According toone embodiment, the communication channel 518 is a wireless connectionbetween the personal computer and the navigation device 516.

FIG. 5 presents yet another embodiment for a collective set ofelectronic components adapted to the present invention. As one ofordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading and comprehendingthis disclosure, the navigation system of FIG. 5 is adapted to thepresent invention in a manner distinguishable from that described andexplained in detail in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B.

That is, the navigational system 500 of FIG. 5 is likewise adapted toprovide an electronic navigational aid device 516 with forced layerswitching capabilities for a more efficient use of RAM and otherresources regardless of the amount of memory available. Thus, in oneembodiment the server 502 includes a memory having a memory size of 2megabytes or more. In the invention, the processor 504 is adapted tocommunicate with the memory 506. According to the teachings of thepresent invention, the processor 504 operates on a novel algorithm whichmakes more efficient use of the server's RAM 506 and can quickly obtaina best or reasonably best path between two locations. The server 502processes the novel algorithm in conjunction with the cartographic dataincluding any number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations asstored in memory 506. In memory 506, the plurality of types ofthoroughfares are contained in a data structure organized in a hierarchyof detail levels, or layers. The processor 504 operates on the novelroute calculation algorithm to find a path, or convergence, between anytwo of the number of locations. Additionally, according to the teachingsof the present invention, the route calculation algorithm forcesswitching between different levels in the hierarchy of detail levelsbased on a set of criteria.

As described in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B, the set of criteriaincludes; a number of jump segments requirement, a distance requirement,a minimum memory usage requirement, a maximum memory usage requirement,and an at least one jump segment requirement. In the invention and aswill be explained in more detail below, the set of criteria areindependently variable in order to tailor an aggressiveness with whichthe route calculation algorithm forces switching between differentlevels in the hierarchy of detail levels.

The system can further operate on signals, e.g. GPS signals, originallyreceived by the navigational device 516. Similar to the navigationaldevice of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the navigation device 516 in system 500 isoutfitted with a display 524 and GPS capabilities 526. As one ofordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading and comprehendingthis disclosure, a user of the navigation device 516 can be proximate toor accompanying the navigation device 516. The invention however, is notso limited. The features and functionality explained and described indetail above in connection with the device of FIGS. 4A and 4B arelikewise available in the system 500 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a navigation aid methodaccording to the teachings of the present invention. The navigation aidmethod includes a method for forced layer switching within a navigationdevice or navigation system as described and explained in detail abovein connection with FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5. And, as described above, aprocessor is used for processing signals which include input data frominput devices, e.g. keypads, other input keys, or other inputs, GPSsignals from GPS components, and data received from I/O ports in orderto perform the methods described herein. As shown in FIG. 6, thenavigation aid method for performing forced layer switching includesorganizing in memory data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality oftypes according to a hierarchy of detail layers at block 610. Thethoroughfares of the plurality of types connect a number of locations.In one embodiment, organizing in memory data indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types according to a hierarchy of detail layersincludes organizing the thoroughfares of a plurality of types by atraversability of the thoroughfare. By way of example, and not by way oflimitation, a traversablity of a thoroughfare can be determined by thethoroughfare's type, e.g. interstate road, residential road, etc., thespeed classification of the thoroughfare, and other suitable factors.

A novel route calculation algorithm is used at block 620 to find aconvergence between any two of the number of locations. According to theteachings of the present invention, using the route calculationalgorithm includes forcing layer switching to another layer in thehierarchy of detail layers by assigning a set of criteria to thealgorithm as shown in block 630. As one of ordinary skill in the artwill understand upon reading this disclosure, the methods performed inblock 620 and 630 can be performed simultaneously or in a differentorder from that shown in FIG. 6. The set of criteria includes a maximummemory usage requirement and an at least one jump segment. That is, amaximum memory allowance is allocated per layer and the algorithm forcesswitching to another layer in the hierarchy when the maximum memoryallowance for a given layer has been utilized.

In one embodiment, organizing in memory data indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types according to a hierarchy of detail layersincludes organizing the thoroughfares of a plurality of types by layersever-decreasing detail such that a lowest layer includes the greatestamount of detail. One embodiment includes assigning a maximum memoryusage requirement for the lowest layer equal to or less than 35% ofavailable space on the memory.

In one embodiment of the invention, assigning a set of criteria to thealgorithm further includes assigning the following set of criteria; anumber of jump segments requirement, a distance requirement, and aminimum memory usage requirement. According to the teachings of thepresent invention, the set of criteria are independently variable ateach layer in the hierarchy of detail layers. Thus, in one embodiment,the minimum memory usage requirement at a greatest layer of detail inthe hierarchy of detail layers is at least 2% of available space on thememory.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon readingand comprehending this disclosure, the method of the invention includesa computer-accessible medium having executable instructions storedthereon capable of directing a processor to perform the inventivemethod.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a navigation aidmethod according to the teachings of the present invention. Thenavigation aid method includes a method for forced layer switching formore efficient use of available RAM within a navigation device ornavigation system as described and explained in detail above inconnection with FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5. And, as described above, aprocessor is used for processing signals which include input data fromuser input devices, e.g. keypads or other input keys, GPS signals fromGPS device/system components, and data received from I/O ports in orderto perform the methods described herein.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the navigation aid method forforced layer switching includes beginning at a first node location andevaluating a number of adjacent nodes for a convergence between a firstnode location and a second node location as shown at block 710. As oneof ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading thisdisclosure, in one embodiment, the first node location can include astarting point location and the second node location can represent adestination or target location. However, the invention is not solimited. For example, the second node does not have be a destinationlocation. Also, in other embodiments the method does not have to beginor end at a node. Instead, the method can include beginning at anydevice location and terminating at any desired device destination suchas at a particular street address along a thoroughfare or even at aparticular geographical feature such as a lake or golf course, or otherpoint of interest. The method includes using a data structure indicativeof thoroughfares of a plurality of types organized according to ahierarchy of detail layers with data indicative of where in the networkthat layer switching can be accomplished. The method further includesusing a memory containing any number of cartographic locations, such asstreet addresses, geographical features (e.g. lakes & golf courses),points of interest and node locations which can be connected by thethoroughfares of the plurality of types.

As shown in block 720, simultaneous with evaluating a number of adjacentnodes beginning at a first node location, the method includes beginningat the second node location and evaluating a number of adjacent nodesthereto for a convergence between a first node location and a secondnode location. In block 730, the method proceed to evaluate a nextadjacent node for each of the previously evaluated adjacent nodes. Inblock 740, the method continues by maintaining a list of nodes having ajump segment to a next layer in the hierarchy of detail layers and bymaintaining a running total of nodes explored from a given jump segmentnode a next adjacent node. As used herein, the term jump segment isintended to mean any link, path, or node at which the algorithm canswitch to another layer in the hierarchy of detail layers and stillproceed with executing the convergence.

In block 750, the method continues by forcing or preventing a layerswitch in the hierarchical data structure being operated on by the novelalgorithm based on a set of criteria.

According to the teachings of the present invention, forcing a layerswitch in the hierarchy of detail layers based on a set of criteriaincludes forcing a layer switch when at least one jump segment has beenfound and a maximum memory allowance has been utilized for a givenlayer. In the invention, the maximum memory allowance for each givenlayer can be independently varied in order to tailor an aggressivenesswhich a route algorithm forces switching between different levels, orlayers in the hierarchy of detail layers. For instance, in a given layerthe maximum memory allowance for the layer can be reduced in order toincrease the algorithms affinity for switching, moving or jumping toanother layer in the hierarchy of detail layers.

According to the teachings of the present invention, preventing a layerswitch in the hierarchy of detail layers includes doing so until arequisite number of jump segments have been found in combination with arequisite number in the running total of nodes explored from a givenjump segment node, a minimum distance from a node location has beenexplored, and a minimum memory space has been utilized for a givenlayer.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading andcomprehending this disclosure, forcing a layer switch based on the aboveset of criteria preempts preventing a layer switch. Further, therequisite number of jump segments in combination with a requisite numberin the running total of nodes explored from a given jump segment node,the minimum distance from a node location that has been explored, andthe minimum memory space utilization are all independently variable foreach given layer in order to increase or decrease the algorithmsaffinity for switching, moving or jumping to another layer in thehierarchy of detail layers.

In one embodiment, and as illustrated more in the table provided in FIG.8, each given layer includes a number of alternatives for the requisitenumber of jump segments and requisite number in the running total ofnodes explored from a given jump segment node combinations which cansatisfy a switching threshold requirement. In one embodiment of theinvention, the method further includes selecting a solution from anumber of convergences between the first node location and the secondnode location. That is, in one embodiment, if a number of solutions havebeen found for a convergence between a first location and a secondlocation, then other sets of criteria can be used to select from amongthe number of solutions. By way of example, and not by way oflimitation, one from within a number of solutions can be chosen based ona set of criteria which includes; a shortest path or route between thetwo locations, a fastest travel time between the two locations, apreferred thoroughfare type or speed classification, and other suitablecriteria of the like.

FIG. 8 provides a table which is useful for understanding one embodimentof the different set of criteria used to force or to prevent layerswitching according to the teachings of the present invention. As one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading and understandingthis disclosure, Table 8 is but one embodiment of the per layer,dynamically configurable criteria. The invention is not so limited tothe criteria expressed in Table 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates a number of rows and columns. The rows in FIG. 8identify the different levels of detail in a data structure organizedaccording to hierarchical levels, or layers of detail. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 8, level 0 represents the lowest layer, or level, which inthis embodiment includes the greatest amount of detail. That is, forroadways, level 0 will contain all interstates, all residential roads,and essentially every thoroughfare.

The columns in FIG. 8 are identified as columns (1)-(6). Columns (1)-(3)are each broken into subsets (A,B). In each of these columns, subset Arepresents a minimum number of jump segments and column B represents aminimum number of nodes which must be explored from a given jump segmentnode to satisfy a switching threshold requirement. Thus, columns (1)-(3)illustrate that, according to the teachings of the present invention,each given layer includes a number of alternatives for the requisitenumber of jump segments and requisite number in the running total ofnodes explored from a given jump segment node combinations which cansatisfy a switching threshold requirement. And, any one of thealternatives can serve to fulfill the switching threshold requirement.Again, according to the teachings of the present invention, these arevariable on a per layer basis to suit a particular design rule or deviceimplementation. The invention is not so limited to the representationshown in FIG. 8. That is, as one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand upon reading this disclosure, the values represented in FIG.8 can be varied in order to tailor an aggressiveness with which a routealgorithm forces or prevents switching between different levels, orlayers in the hierarchy of detail layers. For instance, in a given layerthe maximum memory allowance for the layer can be reduced or increasedin order to increase or decrease the algorithms affinity for switching,moving or jumping to another layer in the hierarchy of detail layers.

Column (4) represents the minimum distance requirement for each layer,expressed in kilometers. Column (5) represents a maximum memoryallowance for each given layer, expressed as a percentage of the totalavailable memory space used at that point in the algorithm's execution.Column (6) represents a minimum memory usage requirement on a per layerbasis, expressed as a percentage of the total available memory spaceused at that point in the algorithm's execution.

Thus, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, the followingrepresents one set of criteria, or rules which the novel algorithm ofthe present invention will employ in determining whether to force orprevent a layer switch from route level 0 to route level 1. That is, forthe embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the following route level switchthreshold criteria must be satisfied to force or permit a switch fromlevel 0 to level 1. In this example, two manner are described which cansatisfy the switch threshold criteria.

According to the teachings of the present invention, a first manner tosatisfy the switch threshold criteria includes meeting threerequirements. The first requirement in this embodiment option includes anumber of alternatives for the requisite number of jump segments andrequisite number in the running total of nodes explored from a givenjump segment node combinations. One alternative includes finding atleast 1 jump segment and exploring at least 25 additional nodes afterfinding that jump segment. A second alternative includes finding atleast 2 jump segments and exploring at least 15 additional nodes afterfinding the second jump segment. A third alternative includes finding atleast 6 jump segments. Again, these expressed numbers, or criteria arevariable in the invention, and the same is not limited to those numbersprovided above.

The second requirement of the first manner to satisfy the switchthreshold criteria relates to a distance travel. Thus, in this examplethe second requirement is that a distance of at least 3 kilometers betraveled before the layer switch. The third requirement of the firstmanner to satisfy the switch threshold criteria relates to the minimumpercentage of memory space which must be used. Thus, in this example thethird requirement is that at least 3% of the memory space be used.

The second manner to satisfy the switch threshold criteria involves ontwo requirements. The first being that at least one jump segment, orswitch location, has been found and the second being that the maximummemory usage allowance for this level has been surpassed, e.g. in thisexample that 35% of memory space has been utilized.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another flow diagram embodiment for a navigationaid method according to the teachings of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 9, the method includes determining in block 910 whether acurrent jump and distance criteria for a given routing level has beenmet. If the answer is yes, or true, the method proceeds to block 920 anddetermines whether a minimum percentage of memory space has been used atthis routing level. If the answer is yes, then the method proceeds toblock 930 and the routing level is increased. Alternatively if theanswer is no, or false, then the method proceeds to block 960 tocontinue executing the novel algorithm on the current level in search ofa convergence between two points or locations.

Back in block 910, when the answer is no, the method proceeds to block940. In block 940 the algorithm determines whether a maximum percentageof memory space, or maximum memory usage allowance for the given levelhas been utilized. If the answer is yes, then the method proceeds toblock 950 and the algorithm determines whether at least one jump segmenthas been found. If the answer is yes, then the method proceeds to block930 and the routing level is increased. Alternatively if the answer isno, or false, then the method proceeds to block 960 to continueexecuting the novel algorithm on the current level in search of at leastone jump segment has been found. Further, if the answer in block 940 isno, then the method proceeds to block 960 to continue executing thealgorithm on the current level in search of a convergence between twopoints or locations.

In some embodiments, the methods provided above are implemented as acomputer data signal embodied in a carrier wave or propagated signal,that represents a sequence of instructions which, when executed by aprocessor such as processor 410 in FIG. 4A, processor 436 in FIG. 4B, orprocessor 504 in FIG. 5, cause the processor to perform the respectivemethod. In other embodiments, methods provided above are implemented asa set of instructions contained on a computer-accessible medium, such asmemory 430 in FIG. 4A, memory 442 in FIG. 4B or mass storage device 512in FIG. 5, capable of directing a processor, such as processor 410 inFIG. 4A, processor 436 in FIG. 4B or processor 504 in FIG. 5, to performthe respective method. In varying embodiments, the medium is a magneticmedium, an electronic medium, or an optical medium.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading thisdisclosure, the electronic components of device shown in FIGS. 4A and4B, and components of the system 500 shown in FIG. 5 can be embodied ascomputer hardware circuitry or as a computer-readable program, or acombination of both. In another embodiment, system 500 is implemented inan application service provider (ASP) system.

The system of the present invention includes software operative on aprocessor to perform methods according to the teachings of the presentinvention. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, uponreading and comprehending this disclosure, the manner in which asoftware program can be launched from a computer readable medium in acomputer based system to execute the functions defined in the softwareprogram. One of ordinary skill in the art will further understand thevarious programming languages which may be employed to create a softwareprogram designed to implement and perform the methods of the presentinvention. The programs can be structured in an object-orientation usingan object-oriented language such as Java, Smalltalk or C++, and theprograms can be structured in a procedural-orientation using aprocedural language such as COBOL or C. The software componentscommunicate in any of a number of means that are well-known to thoseskilled in the art, such as application program interfaces (A.P.I.) orinterprocess communication techniques such as remote procedure call(R.P.C.), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), ComponentObject Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM),Distributed System Object Model (DSOM) and Remote Method Invocation(RMI). However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart upon reading this disclosure, the teachings of the present inventionare not limited to a particular programming language or environment.

CONCLUSION

The above systems, devices and methods have been described, by way ofexample and not by way of limitation, with respect to improvingefficiency, speed and ease of user interaction with a navigation device.That is, the systems, devices and methods provide for a navigationalroute planning device which is more efficient and accurate than currentlow cost systems, without requiring the more expensive system resources.The systems and methods of the present invention offer an improvednavigational route planning device which provides a more efficient useof RAM and other resources in connection with a route calculationalgorithm which quickly obtains a best or reasonable best path betweentwo locations.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. It is to be understood that the above description is intendedto be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventionincludes any other applications in which the above systems, devices andmethods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A GPS enabled personal digital assistant (PDA),comprising: within a housing of the PDA, a processor; a memory adaptedto communicate with the processor, the memory having cartographic dataincluding any number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations;wherein the plurality of types of thoroughfares are organized in ahierarchy of detail levels; wherein the processor operates on a routecalculation algorithm to determine a path to a selected one of thenumber of locations; a display operably coupled to the processor, thedisplay viewable at a front face of the housing; and a GPS patch antennaoperably coupled to the processor, and located above the display withinthe housing.
 2. The PDA of claim 1, including a GPS receiver coupled tothe processor and adapted to provide a determined position of the GPSenabled PDA, and wherein the path includes a path between the determinedposition and the selected one of the number of locations.
 3. The PDA ofclaim 1, wherein the processor operates on a route calculation algorithmto find a path between any two of the number of locations, and whereinthe route calculation algorithm forces switching between differentlevels in the hierarchy of detail levels based on a set of criteriaprovided to the memory.
 4. The PDA of claim 3, wherein the set ofcriteria includes: a number of jump segments requirement; a distancerequirement; a minimum memory usage requirement; a maximum memory usagerequirement; and an at least one jump segment requirement.
 5. The PDA ofclaim 4, wherein the distance requirement includes a minimum distancerequirement, the minimum distance requirement being at least 3kilometers.
 6. The PDA of claim 4, wherein the set of criteria areindependently variable in order to tailor an aggressiveness with whichthe route calculation algorithm forces switching between differentlevels in the hierarchy of detail levels.
 7. The PDA of claim 1, whereinthe PDA includes a multifunction device capable of cellularcommunication.
 8. A GPS enabled PDA, comprising: within a housing of thePDA, a processor; a memory in communication with the processor, thememory having cartographic data including any number of locations anddata indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types connectingcertain ones of the locations; wherein the plurality of types ofthoroughfares are organized in a number of detail levels; wherein theprocessor operates on a route calculation algorithm to determine a pathto a selected one of the number of locations; a display operably coupledto the processor, the display viewable at a front face of the housing;an integrated GPS operably coupled to the processor and having anantenna located above the display within the housing; and a cellulartransceiver operably coupled to the processor and located within thehousing.
 9. The GPS enabled PDA of claim 8, wherein the plurality oftypes of thoroughfares are contained in a data structure organized in ahierarchy of detail layers.
 10. The GPS enabled PDA of claim 9, whereinthe processor operates on a route calculation algorithm and thehierarchy of detail layers to find a convergence between any two of thenumber of locations, and wherein the route calculation algorithm forcesswitching to another layer in the hierarchy of detail layers based on aset of criteria provided to the memory, the set of criteria including amaximum memory usage requirement and an at least one jump segmentrequirement.
 11. The GPS enabled PDA of claim 10, wherein the maximummemory usage requirement for the lowest layer is no greater than 35% ofavailable space on the memory.
 12. The GPS enabled PDA of claim 10,wherein the set of criteria further includes: a number of jump segmentsrequirement; a distance requirement; and a minimum memory usagerequirement.
 13. The GPS enabled PDA of claim 12, wherein the minimummemory usage requirement at a greatest layer of detail in the hierarchyof detail layers is at least 2% of available space on the memory. 14.The GPS enabled PDA of claim 9, wherein the hierarchy of detail layersincludes a hierarchy of ever-decreasing details such that a lowest layerincludes the greatest amount of detail.
 15. The GPS enabled PDA of claim9, wherein the presence of a type of thoroughfare in any given layer ofthe hierarchy of detail layers is determined by a traversability of thethoroughfare.
 16. A PDA navigation aid method, comprising: providing aGPS enabled personal digital assistant (PDA), wherein a housing of thePDA includes; a processor; a memory adapted to communicate with theprocessor, the memory having cartographic data including any number oflocations and data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of typesconnecting certain ones of the locations; a display operably coupled tothe processor, the display viewable at a front face of the housing;integrating a GPS receiver having a GPS antenna in the housing with theprocessor, such that the GPS antenna is located above the display;organizing the data indicative of the plurality of types ofthoroughfares according to a hierarchy of detail layers, and determininga path to a selected one of the number of locations with a routecalculation algorithm.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the methodfurther includes; organizing in the memory data indicative ofthoroughfares of a plurality of types according to a hierarchy of detaillayers, the thoroughfares of the plurality of types connecting a numberof locations; and using a route calculation algorithm to find aconvergence between any two of the number of locations.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein organizing in memory data indicative ofthoroughfares of a plurality of types according to a hierarchy of detaillayers includes organizing the thoroughfares of a plurality of types bylayers ever-decreasing detail such that a lowest layer includes thegreatest amount of detail.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein using theroute calculation algorithm includes forcing layer switching to anotherlayer in the hierarchy of detail layers by assigning a set of criteriato the algorithm, the set of criteria including a maximum memory usagerequirement and an at least one jump segment requirement.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein assigning a maximum memory usage requirementincludes assigning a maximum memory usage requirement for the lowestlayer equal to or less than 35% of available space on the memory. 21.The method of claim 19, wherein assigning a set of criteria to thealgorithm includes assigning a set of criteria which further includes: anumber of jump segments requirement; a distance requirement; and aminimum memory usage requirement.
 22. The method of claim 19, whereinthe set of criteria are independently variable at each layer in thehierarchy of detail layers.
 23. The method of claim 19, whereinassigning the minimum memory usage requirement at a greatest layer ofdetail in the hierarchy of detail layers is at least 2% of availablespace on the memory.
 24. A PDA navigation aid method, comprising:providing a GPS enabled personal digital assistant (PDA), wherein ahousing of the PDA includes; a processor; a memory adapted tocommunicate with the processor, the memory having cartographic dataincluding any number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations; adisplay operably coupled to the processor, the display viewable throughthe housing; integrating a GPS receiver having a GPS antenna in thehousing with the processor, such that the GPS antenna is located abovethe display; integrating a cellular transceiver in the housing with theprocessor; organizing the data indicative of the plurality of types ofthoroughfares according to a hierarchy of detail layers; and calculatinga path between any two of the number of locations.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the method further includes; providing a datastructure to the memory, the data structure indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types organized according to a hierarchy of detaillayers and having node locations connecting the thoroughfares of theplurality of types; beginning at a first node location, evaluating anumber of adjacent nodes for a convergence between a first node locationand a second node location; for each evaluated adjacent nodes,evaluating a next adjacent node; maintaining a list of nodes having ajump segment to a next layer in the hierarchy of detail layers andmaintaining a running total of nodes explored from a given jump segmentnode; and forcing a layer switch in the hierarchy of detail layers basedon a set of criteria.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein forcing alayer switch in the hierarchy of detail layers based on a set ofcriteria includes forcing a layer switch when at least one jump segmenthas been found and a maximum memory allowance has been utilized for agiven layer, the maximum memory allowance for each given layer beingindependently variable.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the methodfurther includes preventing a layer switch in the hierarchy of detaillayers until a requisite number of jump segments have been found incombination with a requisite number in the running total of nodesexplored from a given jump segment node, a minimum distance from thefirst node location has been explored, and a minimum memory space hasbeen utilized for a given layer.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein, inthe method, forcing a layer switch preempts preventing a layer switch.29. The method of claim 27, wherein the requisite number of jumpsegments in combination with a requisite number in the running total ofnodes explored from a given jump segment node, the minimum distance fromthe first node location that has been explored, and the minimum memoryspace utilization are all independently variable for each given layer.30. The method of claim 29, wherein each given layer includes a numberof alternatives for the requisite number of jump segments and requisitenumber in the running total of nodes explored from a given jump segmentnode combinations.
 31. The method of claim 24, wherein the methodfurther includes, simultaneous with evaluating a number of adjacentnodes beginning at a first node location, beginning at a second nodelocation and evaluating a number of adjacent nodes thereto for aconvergence between a first node location and the second node location.32. The method of claim 31, wherein the method further includesselecting a solution from a number of convergences between the firstnode location and the second node location.
 33. The method of claim 24,wherein the method further includes a server, operably coupled to thePDA via the cellular transceiver, to respond to a request from the PDAby performing calculations on the cartographic data and transmittingresults to the PDA.
 34. A method of manufacturing a combined GPS/PDA,comprising: providing a portable, handheld housing; locating within thehousing a processor, a memory, and a display viewable at a front face ofthe housing, the memory and the processor operable to execute a GPSfunctionality and a PDA functionality, the memory operable tocommunicate with the processor, the memory having cartographic dataincluding any number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfaresof a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations;locating within the housing a GPS receiver having a GPS antenna, suchthat the GPS antenna is located above the display; organizing the dataindicative of the plurality of types of thoroughfares according to ahierarchy of detail layers; and calculating a path between any two ofthe number of locations by using a route calculation algorithm.
 35. Themethod of claim 34, wherein the method further includes locating awireless communication component within the housing.
 36. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the method further includes locating an input that isaccessible at a front face of the housing at a location below thedisplay.